New frag disc idea and execution......

[Dsdaley77]

So I have decided to stop buying premade frag plugs and discs.

My idea is to use Tonga branch and cut it into individual discs. So I picked up some Tonga at my LFS in the base/rubble bin ($4.49/LB). Some really great 4-8in long pieces 1/2-3/4in diameter. I used my Dremel and a fine tooth hand saw to make the first disk.
I think I really like/love this idea if I could find a faster, more efficient way to cut the discs. Another of my LFS's has a tile saw they use in shop to frag coral and cut down rock so that was their recommendation using one to speed up the process, but they won't let me use theirs as its a liability issue

So tried all my buddies and buddies of buddies and no one has a tile saw, so I'm putting out the call......

Looking for someone local to me (Phx,AZ) that has a tile saw or fine tooth table saw that we can use to make ourselves some all natural, pre-cured, straight from the ocean frag discs I will split 50/50 the discs we cut using the tonga I have on hand. I'm guessing in a matter of minutes we could have 40-50 each So how bout it?

 

[planereefer]

I'm not local to you, but I like your idea!

Sorry I can't help.

 

[cdness]

Not a bad idea!

 

[Dsdaley77]

Thanks, I'm all about saving the dough and using natural items when I can, I'm also thinking about redoing my frag rack and making one out of Tonga, like a bar with holes in it that the plugs fit in. We'll see, my brain is overflowing with ideas right now

 

[Gonzo]

Harbor Freight sells cheap tile saws

if they even have that store in your area

 

[Norcalreefer]

I'm not local to you, but I have a gryphon saw that would slice that stuff up in no time. Do you really want the round shape from tongan branch rock? I can cut you up a bunch of pieces from stuff around here, but tongan is not so easy for me to get. I'm not sure if it's worth shipping or not, but I'm willing to help how ever I can. It would really not be much work to me.

 

[Mstansbery]

I'm not local to you, but I have a gryphon saw that would slice that stuff up in no time. Do you really want the round shape from tongan branch rock? I can cut you up a bunch of pieces from stuff around here, but tongan is not so easy for me to get. I'm not sure if it's worth shipping or not, but I'm willing to help how ever I can. It would really not be much work to me.

Nice offer Damon!! -I'll find us some Tonga so we can make this happen too!! Great idea Dsdaley77 and you can also find cheap tile saws at HD!

 

[Dsdaley77]

Thanks guys, I'm trying to avoid buying anything but the rock to keep costs down in case I don't win the LEDTRiC competition I love the round shape and because of the texture on the outside of the tonga, it grows coralline real quick and looks just like the rock it sits on Since I believe it's all calcium based, could there be any type of cal benefit over the long term by using the tonga like this?

 

[Dsdaley77]

I'm not local to you, but I have a gryphon saw that would slice that stuff up in no time. Do you really want the round shape from tongan branch rock? I can cut you up a bunch of pieces from stuff around here, but tongan is not so easy for me to get. I'm not sure if it's worth shipping or not, but I'm willing to help how ever I can. It would really not be much work to me.

And yes, thanks for the offer

 

[Mstansbery]

No problem!!

I dont think there would be any implications. The tonga rock is thousands if not millions of years old precipitated carbonate. I would think, however, that any dust that remains on the disc when introduced could influence alk or calc. -Not significantly though IMO and Im sure you'll rinse them before they go back in your system!! I would cut a bunch and do a curing procedure just because and maybe test the water after they have sat for a while!

 

[Gonzo]

I use a gryphon to, but those thick branches could tear up those blades quick!

you can buy those cheap tile saws for the price of a new blade

just my .02

 

[Mstansbery]

I use a gryphon to, but those thick branches could tear up those blades quick!

you can buy those cheap tile saws for the price of a new blade

just my .02

Thanks for the heads up Josh! Yeh I figured the blades wouldnt last very long. -Tile saw it is!!

 

[Dsdaley77]

For what it's worth, the tonga is pretty soft IMO. If you keep it wet it is easier than you think. I used a Dremel disk made of Emory or fiberglass (they don't tell you which one) and it did the job and I didn't lose too much of the disc I also tried using a Dremel saw blade but the teeth were too big and just got stuck, although no damage to the teeth

 

[NanoNathan]

i get my plugs from salt critters there nice and cheap and not bleach white like most blend in more. might be worth just spending 20$ to get 100 plugs or so

 

[Mstansbery]

i get my plugs from salt critters there nice and cheap and not bleach white like most blend in more. might be worth just spending 20$ to get 100 plugs or so

Ditto Nathan. But the discs always seem to be more expensive!

 

[Dsdaley77]

Found a guy local to me with a tile saw and we are working out a time to get this done, I'll let you know how it goes

 

[Mstansbery]

Found a guy local to me with a tile saw and we are working out a time to get this done, I'll let you know how it goes

Niceee! I'll update the thread with Damon and I's attempt as well!

 

[Pkunk35]

For what it's worth, the tonga is pretty soft IMO. If you keep it wet it is easier than you think. I used a Dremel disk made of Emory or fiberglass (they don't tell you which one) and it did the job and I didn't lose too much of the disc I also tried using a Dremel saw blade but the teeth were too big and just got stuck, although no damage to the teeth

Have you tried the dremel diamond wheel? I use that with a shield guard to cut frag rocks from BRS and cuts right through.

 

[Dsdaley77]

Have you tried the dremel diamond wheel? I use that with a shield guard to cut frag rocks from BRS and cuts right through.

That's the one wheel I don't have lol, plus my Dremel is the cordless 7.2 with the crud battery so I have to charge after 20-30 minutes of work

 

[Dsdaley77]

Niceee! I'll update the thread with Damon and I's attempt as well!

Sweet!!!! I will be looking for it, any thing while doin it you realize or encounter feel free to share, I'm gonna do the same.

Another idea to extend this idea is to use the tile saw to cut them into discs a little fatter and use a Dremel to cut or grind off the bottom portion to make the plug part. Obvioulsly leaving enough in the middle to shape the post part. Cheap thrills